Treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage with ApoE analogs

ABSTRACT

Novel ApoE peptide derivatives and ApoE-protein transduction domain conjugates are disclosed which are useful for treating disorders including subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, and intraventricular hemorrhage and other brain disorders. The invention encompasses methods for treating cerebral vasospasm by administration of at least one ApoE or ApoE mimetic peptide.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/023,288, filed Jan. 31, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,034,762, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/661,777, filed Apr.11, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,645, which is a national stageapplication of International Application No. PCT/US05/31431, filed Sep.2, 2005, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNos. 60/608,148, filed Sep. 9, 2004, 60/606,506, filed Sep. 2, 2004, and60/606,507, filed Sep. 2, 2004, which are incorporated by reference intheir entireties. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/023,288 alsoclaims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/898,392, filed Jan. 31, 2007, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TEXT FILE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY

The contents of the text file submitted electronically herewith areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety: A computer readableformat copy of the Sequence Listing (filename: COGO 015 02USSeqList_ST25.txt, date recorded: Oct. 20, 2011, file size 32 kilobytes).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides the use of ApoE analogs in the treatment,prevention and amelioration of neurological signs and symptomsassociated with cerebral vasospasm and various types of cerebralhemorrhages including subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage,and intraventricular hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a manifestation of vascular injury to the brain which iscommonly secondary to arteriosclerosis or cardiac disease, and is thethird leading cause of death (and the second most common cause ofneurological disability) in the United States.

Stroke can be categorized into two major types, “ischemic stroke” and“hemorrhagic stroke.” Ischemic stroke encompasses thrombotic, embolic,lacunar and hypo perfusion types of strokes. In contrast to ischemicstroke, hemorrhagic stroke is caused by intracerebral hemorrhage,subarachnoid hemorrhage, and intraventricular hemorrhage, i.e., bleedinginto brain tissue, following blood vessel rupture within the brain.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a condition in which blood collectsbeneath the arachnoid mater, a membrane that covers the brain. Thisarea, called the subarachnoid space, normally contains cerebrospinalfluid. The accumulation of blood in the subarachnoid space can lead tostroke, seizures, and other complications. Additionally, subarachnoidhemorrhages may cause permanent brain damage and a number of harmfulbiochemical events in the brain. In some instances, subarachnoidhemorrhages include non-traumatic types of hemorrhages, usually causedby rupture of a berry aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (AVM).Other causes include bleeding from a vascular anomaly and extension intothe subarachnoid space from a primary intracerebral hemorrhage. Symptomsof subarachnoid hemorrhage include sudden and severe headache, nauseaand/or vomiting, symptoms of meningeal irritation (e.g., neck stiffness,low back pain, bilateral leg pain) photophobia and visual changes,and/or loss of consciousness.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is often secondary to a head injury or a bloodvessel defect known as an aneurysm. In some instances, subarachnoidhemorrhage can induce a cerebral vasospasm that may in turn lead to anischemic stroke. A common manifestation of a subarachnoid hemorrhage isthe presence of blood in the CSF.

Subjects having a subarachnoid hemorrhage can be identified by a numberof symptoms. For example, a subject having a subarachnoid hemorrhagewill present with blood in the subarachnoid, usually in a large amount.Subjects having a subarachnoid hemorrhage can also be identified by anintracranial pressure that approximates mean arterial pressure, by afall in cerebral perfusion pressure or by the sudden transient loss ofconsciousness (sometimes preceded by a painful headache). In about halfof cases, subjects present with a severe headache which may beassociated with physical exertion. Other symptoms associated withsubarachnoid hemorrhage include nausea, vomiting, memory loss,hemiparesis and aphasia. Subjects having a subarachnoid hemorrhage canalso be identified by the presence of creatine kinase-BB isoenzymeactivity in their CSF. This enzyme is enriched in the brain but isnormally not present in the CSF. Thus, its presence in the CSF isindicative of “leak” from the brain into the subarachnoid. Assay ofcreatine-kinase BB isoenzyme activity in the CSF is described by Coplinet al. (Coplin, et al, Arch Neurol, 1999, 56(11):1348-1352)Additionally, a spinal tap or lumbar puncture can be used to demonstrateif there is blood present in the CSF, a strong indication of asubarachnoid hemorrhage. A cranial CT scan or an MRI can also be used toidentify blood in the subarachnoid region. Angiography can also be usedto determine not only whether a hemorrhage has occurred but also thelocation of the hemorrhage.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage commonly results from rupture of an intracranialsaccular aneurysm or from malformation of the arteriovenous system in,and leading to, the brain. Accordingly, a subject at risk of having asubarachnoid hemorrhage includes subjects having a saccular aneurysm aswell as subjects having a malformation of the arteriovenous system. Itis estimated that 5% of the population have such aneurysms yet only 1 in10,000 people actually have a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The top of thebasilar artery and the junction of the basilar artery with the superiorcerebellar or the anterior inferior cerebellar artery are common sitesof saccular aneurysms. Subjects having a subarachnoid hemorrhage may beidentified by an eye examination, whereby slowed eye movement mayindicate brain damage. A subject with a developing saccular aneurysm canbe identified through routine medical imaging techniques, such as CT andMRI. A developing aneurysm forms a mushroom-like shape (sometimesreferred to as “a dome with a neck” shape).

Among patients who suffer SAH and survive the initial ictus, vasospasmremains the most feared medical complication. A vasospasm is a suddendecrease in the internal diameter of a blood vessel that results fromcontraction of smooth muscle within the wall of the vessel. Vasospasmsresult in decreased blood flow, but increased system vascularresistance. It is generally believed that vasospasm is caused by localinjury to vessels, such as that which results from atherosclerosis andother structural injury including traumatic head injury. Cerebralvasospasm is a naturally occurring vasoconstriction which can also betriggered by the presence of blood in the CSF, a common occurrence afterrupture of an aneurysm or following traumatic head injury. Cerebralvasospasm can ultimately lead to brain cell damage, in the form ofcerebral ischemia and infarction, due to interrupted blood supply.Cerebral vasospasm can occur any time after rupture of an aneurysm butmost commonly peaks at seven days following the hemorrhage and oftenresolves within 14 days when the blood has been absorbed by the body.

A subject having a vasospasm is a subject who presents with diagnosticmarkers and symptoms associated with vasospasm. Diagnostic markersinclude the presence of blood in the CSF and/or a recent history of asubarachnoid hemorrhage. Vasospasm associated symptoms include paralysison one side of the body, inability to vocalize the words or tounderstand spoken or written words, and inability to perform tasksrequiring spatial analysis. Such symptoms may develop over a few days,or they may fluctuate in their appearance, or they may present abruptly.

MR angiography and CT angiography can be used to diagnose cerebralvasospasm. Angiography is a technique in which a contrast agent isintroduced into the blood stream in order to view blood flow and/orarteries. A contrast agent is required because blood flow and/orarteries are sometimes only weakly apparent in a regular MR or CT scan.Appropriate contrast agents will vary depending upon the imagingtechnique used. For example, gadolinium is a common contrast agent usedin MR scans. Other MR appropriate contrast agents are known in the art.Transcranial Doppler ultrasound can also be used to diagnose and monitorthe progression of a vasospasm. As mentioned earlier, the presence ofblood in the cerebrospinal fluid can be detected using CT scans.However, in some instances where the amount of blood is so small as tonot be detected by CT, a lumbar puncture is warranted.

Vasospasm is a frequent source of secondary stroke and the delayedischemic deficits that usually develop within the first 2 weeks afterhemorrhage (Mendelow et al., 1988). At present, there are significantlimitations to the treatment of aneurysmal SAH-induced cerebralvasospasm. Current therapeutic options include intracranial angioplasty,triple-H (hypervolemia, hemodilution, and hypertension) therapy, andoral administration of nimodipine as vasospasm prophylaxis. However,because the majority of patients who suffer SAH either die or becomepermanently disabled, there is substantial room for improvement intreatment strategies for this group of patients (Allen et al., 1983).

Nimodipine was introduced as a therapeutic agent for the prophylaxis ofvasospasm based on findings of a small randomized clinical trial in theU.S. (Allen et al., 1983) and a large trial in the United Kingdom(Pickard et al. 1989). Both trials revealed modest improvements inneurological outcomes following nimodipine administration. Although thedrug is accepted as the standard of care, the mechanism by which itworks remains controversial. In addition to causing vascular relaxation,nimodipine may also serve as a neuroprotectant by blocking earlyneuronal calcium influx in the setting of acute ischemia (Inzitari etal., 2005; Korenkov et al., 2000). However, despite an improvement infunctional outcome, no difference in angiographic vasospasm was observedbetween treatment and placebo in several trials (Allen et al., 1983;Petruck et al. 1988; Pickard et al. 1989). Thus, new drugs for theeffective treatment and prevention of SAH and other cerebral hemorrhagesare much desired.

SUMMARY

The present inventors have surprisingly found that ApoE analogs may beused as an effective therapy for SAH and other cerebral hemorrhages. Thepresent invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery thatadministration of ApoE analogs for the treatment of cerebral hemorrhageis well tolerated, reduces hemorrhage growth, improves functionaloutcome, and decreases vasospasm and mortality. Accordingly, the presentinvention provides methods of using ApoE analogs described herein totreat, prevent or ameliorate cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral vasospasm,and disorders and the like.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods for treating,preventing or ameliorating subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In anotherembodiment, the present invention provides methods for treating,preventing or ameliorating intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In yetanother embodiment, the present invention provides methods for thetreatment, prevention or amelioration of symptoms of intraventricularhemorrhage (IVH).

One aspect of the present invention provides methods of treating orameliorating symptoms associated with cerebral hemorrhage byadministering at least one ApoE analog. Suitable analogs for use in thepresent invention include those documented in PCT application No.PCT/US2005/31431, which is herein incorporated in its entirety. The atleast one analog can be administered in an amount that reduces thesymptoms of cerebral hemorrhage as compared to that which would occur inthe absence of the analog. In certain embodiments, the methods of theinvention reduce CNS trauma, CNS inflammation, cerebral ischemia orcerebral edema following SAH, IVH, and ICH. In certain embodiments, themethods hasten recovery from SAH, IVH, and ICH. In certain embodiments,the methods improve functional recovery or cognitive function followingSAH, IVH, and ICH.

The invention also provides the use of ApoE analogs for preventing orattenuating hemorrhage growth, following intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH). Typical human subjects for whom the treatment is intended arethose suffering from coagulopathic bleedings, including, withoutlimitation, human subjects who have experienced aneurismal subarachnoidhemorrhage.

In one embodiment, the ApoE analog is a naturally occurring or syntheticApoE polypeptide or a biologically active fragment thereof. In anotherembodiment, the ApoE analog is a nucleic acid encoding ApoE or abiologically active fragment thereof. In still another embodiment, theApoE analog is an agonist of ApoE. Suitable analogs for use in thepresent invention include those documented in PCT application No.PCT/US2005/31431, which is herein incorporated in its entirety. Incertain embodiments, the ApoE analogs are polypeptides comprising asequence of SEQ ID Nos 1-56.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides pharmaceuticalcompositions comprising at least one of the ApoE analogs describedherein. In certain embodiments, the invention provides pharmaceuticalcompositions comprising at least one ApoE analog described herein withanother active agent for the treatment, prevention or amelioration ofcerebral hemorrhage or cerebral vasospasm. The pharmaceuticalcompositions of the invention can be provided in such a way as tofacilitate administration to a subject in need thereof, including, forexample, by intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or transdermaladministration. See, Remingtons Pharmaceutical Sciences, 19th ed.Remington and Gennaro, eds. Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa.,incorporated herein by reference. The methods of the present inventionfurther provide for various dosing schedules, administration times,intervals and duration to treat, prevent or ameliorate the disordersdescribed herein. Also included are functional variants of the disclosedcompounds and variants identified using the assays disclosed in thepresent invention, wherein such compounds mediate the functional effectsdisclosed herein. Consistent therewith, the invention also includes useof the disclosed compounds and functional variants thereof in methods ofmaking medicaments for treating the various diseases and disordersdiscussed herein.

The invention also provides the use of ApoE analog for increasing theoverall survival of a subject following the start of treatment.

In another embodiment, the ApoE analog is administered in conjunctionwith another active agent. The active agent may be a voltage-gatedcalcium channel inhibitor, i.e., nimodipine.

In one aspect, the ApoE analog is first administered between about 12-24hours after diagnosis of intraventricular hemorrhage, intracerebralhemorrhage, and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage. In another embodiment theApoE analog is first administered between about 24-72 hours afterdiagnosis of intraventricular hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage,and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage.

In one embodiment, the ApoE analog is administered at least about every4 hours. In another embodiment, the ApoE analog is administered at leastabout every 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 hours.

In another embodiment, the methods of the invention use ApoE analogswhich are administered in low doses ranging from 0.1 mg/kg-0.9 mg/kg. Inanother embodiment, the ApoE analog is administered in higher dosesranging from 1.0 mg/kg-1.9 mg/kg.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods ofadministering the ApoE analogs during or contemporaneously with acerebral hemorrhage surgery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a line graph demonstrating the effects of carboxyamidotriazole(CAI) on rotarod latency and neurological severity scores.Administration of CAI at a dose of 250 mg/kg/day results insignificantly worse functional performance on the rotarod (upper) and alower average neurological severity score (lower) than found in thevehicle-treated group. In the latter case, however, this difference didnot reach statistical significance. **p<0.001.

FIG. 2 is a bar graph showing that administration of high-dose CAIcauses a significant increase in the MCA lumen diameter compared withvehicle treatment. The inclusion of data for sham-operated animals isfor illustrative purposes only; this group was not included in thestatistical analysis. *p<0.05.

FIG. 3 is a line graph showing the effects of drugs on rotarod latencyand neurological severity scores. Upper: An assessment of rotarodlatencies after SAH shows significant improvements in drug-treatedanimals compared with vehicle-treated animals. Lower: Groups of animalstreated with high-dose nimodipine (8 mg/kg/day), low-dose nimodipine (4mg/kg/day), apoE-mimetic peptide, and the combination of nimodipine andpeptide had significantly improved neurological severity scores comparedwith the vehicle-treated group. *p<0.05; **p<0.01.

FIG. 4 is a bar graph demonstrating differences in the diameters of theMCA lumina. In a comparison of the four drug treatment groups with thevehicle-treated group in the nimodipine/apoE-mimetic peptide experiment,only the low-dose nimodipine- and the peptide-treated groups hadincreased MCA diameters. *p<0.05.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the effect of ApoE-1410 on animal mortality.Following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), animals were randomized toreceive either vehicle, low-dose apoE 1410; or high-dose apoE 1410administered in 100 μL isotonic saline and delivered intravenously bytail vein twice daily for 3 days following injury. Treatment with apoE1410 resulted in a significant decrease in mortality (p<0.01 for bothtreated groups versus vehicle).

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the effect of ApoE-1410 on functional outcomein a murine SAH model. In panel (A), animals treated with apoE 1410 haddose-dependent improvement in Rotorod performance following subarachnoidhemorrhage (SAH) (*p<0.01 low dose versus vehicle; **p<0.01 high doseversus vehicle). In panel (B), functional improvement was alsodemonstrated by serial neurological clinical assessments (**p<0.01 inboth treated groups versus vehicle). Sham-operated animals (no SAH) areprovided for normal reference values and were not included instatistical analysis.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the effect of ApoE-1410 on vasospasm in amurine SAH model. Representative India ink/gelatin casting (A-C) andhematoxylin & eosin (D-F) photomicrographs performed 72 hours afterinduction of experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) revealshemorrhage in the basilar cisterns. Vasospasm, defined as the reductionof middle cerebral artery (MCA) diameter was attenuated in the grouptreated with apoE peptide (B, E). Sham-treated animals had no evidenceof vasospasm or morphological changes in the vessel wall (A, D) ascompared with animals with SAH that were treated with vehicle, whichdemonstrated significant luminal narrowing (C) associated with increasedthickness of the vessel wall and corrugation of the internal elasticmembrane (F).

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Methods

The present methods and ApoE analogs are useful in preventing, treating,or ameliorating neurological signs and symptoms associated with cerebralhemorrhage. As used herein, cerebral hemorrhages include, but are notlimited to, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). The finding by the presentinventors that ApoE analogs can be used to improve functional outcome,and decrease vasospasm and mortality following cerebral hemorrhageprovides a role for the ApoE and ApoE analogs of the invention in thetreatment of any symptoms associated with cerebral hemorrhage.

The present methods and compounds are also particularly useful inpreventing, treating, or ameliorating the neurological signs andsymptoms associated with cerebral vasospasm. As used herein, cerebralvasospasm refers to the delayed occurrence of narrowing of largecapacity arteries at the base of the brain after subarachnoidhemorrhage, often associated with diminished perfusion in the territorydistal to the affected vessel. In this regard, the ApoE analogs andother compounds of the invention can be used alone or in combinationwith other known anti-spasm drugs for the treatment of cerebralvasospasm associated with SAH, IVH, and ICH.

In one embodiment, the ApoE analog may be an ApoE peptide or ApoEmimetic peptide. Preferred ApoE mimetic peptides include COG133, apeptide of the sequence LRVRLASHLRKLRKRLL (SEQ. ID. NO. 1), andderivatives of COG133 such as Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLL-amide (SEQ. ID.NO. 7; ApoE 1410) and other peptide mimetics as described herein.

As used herein, the terms “treating” and “ameliorating” are notnecessarily meant to indicate a reversal or cessation of the diseaseprocess underlying the cerebral hemorrhage condition afflicting thesubject being treated. Such terms indicate that the deleterious signsand/or symptoms associated with the condition being treated are lessenedor reduced, or the rate of progression is reduced, compared to thatwhich would occur in the absence of treatment. A change in a diseasesign or symptom can be assessed at the level of the subject (e.g., thefunction or condition of the subject is assessed), or at a tissue orcellular level (e.g., the production of markers of glial or macrophageactivation is lessened or reduced).

The invention also provides methods for reducing the risk of death in aSAH, ICH, and IVH subject, which are carried out by administering anamount of ApoE analog to the subject for preventing or attenuatingvasospasm following SAH, ICH, and IVH.

The invention also provides methods for preventing or attenuating one ormore complications of SAH, ICH, or IVH in a subject, which are carriedout by: (i) administering to a SAH, ICH, or IVH subject an amounteffective for achieving the prevention or attenuation of ApoE analogs;and (ii) observing a reduction in the frequency of occurrence of one ormore complications of SAH, ICH, or IVH in the subject who received saidApoE analogs relative to the frequency of occurrence of saidcomplications that would have been expected in the same subject who hadnot received said ApoE analogs.

The present invention provides methods and compositions that can be usedadvantageously to prevent or attenuate hemorrhage growth following SAH,ICH, and IVH, which a subject may experience subsequent to their injuryand/or as a result of medical interventions that may be used to treattheir injuries. The methods are carried out by administering to an SAH,ICH, and IVH subject, at least one ApoE analog, in a manner that iseffective for preventing or attenuating hemorrhage growth, or any ofthese complications related to SAH, ICH, and IVH. Non-limiting examplesof complications include: cerebral edema and poor neurological outcomeafter SAH, IVH, and ICH, and death. In some embodiments, the subject issuffering from spontaneous SAH, IVH, and ICH. In some embodiments, thesubject is suffering from traumatic SAH, IVH, and ICH. A methodeffective for preventing or attenuating hemorrhage growth, or othersubsequent complications may comprise administering a predeterminedamount of ApoE or an ApoE analog, and/or utilizing a particular dosageregimen, formulation, mode of administration, combination with othertreatments, and the like. The efficacy of the methods of the inventionin reducing hemorrhage growth, or in preventing complications of SAH,IVH, and ICH may be assessed using one or more conventional imagingmethods (e.g., CT, MRI scanning) or by use of parameters that evaluatecomplications.

Subjects who may benefit by use of the methods of the present inventioninclude, without limitation, subjects who have suffered from spontaneousor traumatic SAH, IVH, and ICH. Spontaneous SAH, IVH, and ICH includesubjects suffering an intracerebral bleed usually associated with theoccurrence of advanced age, hypertension, or deposition of amyloid inthe cerebral vasculature. SAH, IVH, and ICH usually results from therupture of a single vessel causing extensive damage to the surroundingbrain tissue adjacent to the damaged vessel. Traumatic SAH, IVH, and ICHmay be associated with accidents resulting from e.g. motor vehicleaccidents or fall from a height. The resulting contusion to the head maylead to the rupture of one or more intracerebral or extracerebral (butintracranial) vessels. Many intracranial (but extracerebral) bleedingsare evacuated surgically already in the acute phase, whereas theintracerebral lesions more often are inaccessible to direct evacuationas the evacuation itself would cause significant damage to the braintissue.

The methods of the present invention can be applied advantageously toany subject who has suffered spontaneous or traumatic SAH, IVH, and ICHthat, if left untreated, would result in a significant growth of thehemorrhage and in associated complications.

The methods of the invention are also useful for treating extravascularhematomas and blood clots in a human subject. As used herein, the term“extravascular” includes a hematoma or blood clot that is found outsidethe vasculature, e.g., in the intraventricular or arachnoid space in thebrain. The instant methods are directed to the use of a therapeuticallyeffect amount of an ApoE analog. As used herein the term“therapeutically effective amount” of an ApoE analog includes an amountsufficient to provide a therapeutic benefit to a subject in needthereof. Therapeutic benefit may be determined by any of the methodsdescribed herein, and include, but are not limited to, decrease in bloodclot size or volume, decrease in ICP, improvement in GCS, improvement inneurological function, and a decrease in predicted mortality. Atherapeutically effective amount of an ApoE analog includes theparameters of both dosage amount (e.g., amount of ApoE analogadministered at one time) and dosage interval (e.g., how often the ApoEanalog is administered. In a most preferred embodiment, atherapeutically effective amount of a ApoE analog is an amountsufficient to reduce the blood clot to about 80% of its original size.

In another aspect, the invention encompasses the use of ApoE analogs forreducing the number of days a SAH, IVH, and ICH subject is hospitalizedfollowing symptom onset or injury onset. In some embodiments, the ApoEanalog is for reducing the number of days a SAH, IVH, and ICH subjectspends in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following injury or symptomonset.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for reducing thenumber of days an ICH subject is hospitalized following spontaneous SAH,IVH, and ICH or traumatic SAH, IVH, and ICH, which are carried out byadministering to the subject an effective amount for the reduction of atleast one ApoE analog.

In another aspect, the invention provides kits or parts thereof forpreventing or attenuating hemorrhage growth, following SAH, ICH, and IVHas well as preventing or attenuating one or more complications of SAH,ICH, and IVH, comprising (i) at least one ApoE analog (ii) Instructionsfor Use. The instructions may describe, for instance, that a first dosecontaining an effective amount of at least one ApoE analog isadministered at the start of the treatment. A second dose may be neededand the ApoE analog should be administered one hour, two hours, threehours, four hours, five hours, etc. after the start of treatment.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for improving brainfunction in a SAH, IVH, and ICH subject, which are carried out byadministering to the subject an effective amount for the improving of atleast one ApoE analog.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for reducing the riskof developing complications of brain dysfunction including, but notlimited to brain herniation, brain infarction in an SAH, IVH, and ICHsubject, which methods are carried out by administering to the subjectan effective amount for the reducing of at least one ApoE analog. Insome embodiments, the invention provides methods for reducing the riskof progression from brain injury to brain death.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for reducing the riskof death in a SAH, IVH, and ICH subject, which are carried out byadministering to the subject an effective amount for the reducing of atleast one ApoE analog.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for preventing orattenuating hemorrhage growth, and/or edema generation following SAH,IVH, and ICH in a majority of spontaneous SAH, IVH, and ICH or traumaticSAH, IVH, and ICH subjects, which are carried out by (i) administeringto a group of SAH, IVH, and ICH subjects an effective amount for thepreventing or attenuating of at least one ApoE analog; and (ii)observing a reduction in the frequency of occurrence of one or morecomplications of SAH, IVH, and ICH among the group of subjects relativeto the frequency of occurrence of the complications that would have beenexpected in the same group of human subjects who had not received the atleast one ApoE analog.

ApoE Analogs

The present invention provides methods of treating, preventing, andameliorating cerebral hemorrhage with ApoE analogs and derivatives. Alarge number of analogs of the apoE 130-150 peptide were previouslycreated and their activity tested in a cell-based assay for suppressionof release of inflammatory cytokines and free radicals and in receptorbinding assays. Lynch et al., 2003, J. Biol. Chem. 278(4), 48529-33 andU.S. application Ser. No. 10/252,120 (filed Sep. 23, 2002), Ser. No.09/957,909 (filed Sep. 21, 2001) and Ser. No. 09/260,430 (filed Mar. 1,1999), now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60,077,551 (filed Mar. 11, 1998), the contents of eachof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

In one embodiment, the method of the present invention employs analogsand derivatives of COG133, a truncated peptide comprised of residues133-149 of apoE. This truncated apoE peptide, referred to as COG133(LRVRLASHLRKLRKRLL (SEQ. ID. NO.1)) proved useful in treating orreducing cerebral ischemia or cerebral inflammation. U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/252,120, filed Sep. 23, 2002, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

In practicing the present invention, any ApoE analogs may be used thatare effective in preventing complications when administered to a SAH,ICH, and IVH human subject. Some of the ApoE analogs are described inU.S. application Ser. No. 10/252,120, filed Sep. 23, 2002 andPCT/US2005/031431, which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentities.

ApoE analogs include, without limitation, naturally occurring orsynthetic ApoE polypeptides or biologically active fragments thereof,nucleic acids encoding ApoE or biologically active fragments thereof andagonists of ApoE. The ApoE polypeptides may have either been chemicallymodified relative to human ApoE and/or contain one or more amino acidsequence alterations relative to human ApoE. Such ApoE peptides mayexhibit different properties relative to human ApoE, includingstability, phospholipid binding, altered specific activity, and thelike.

Examples of ApoE peptide memetics include, without limitation,

(SEQ. ID. NO. 1) LRVRLASHLRKLRKRLL (SEQ. ID. NO. 2)LRVRLASH-(NMe)-L-RKLRKRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 3) Ac-ASH-Aib-RKLRKRLL-NH₂(SEQ. ID. NO. 4) Ac-AS-Aib-LRKLRKRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 5)Ac-DS-Aib-LRKLRKRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 6) Ac-ASHLRKL-Aib-KRLL-NH₂(SEQ. ID. NO. 7) Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 8)Ac-DR-Aib-ASHLRKLRKR-Aib-L-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 9)Ac-DS-Aib-LRKLRKR-Aib-L-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 10)Ac-DR-Aib-ASHLRKL-Aib-KRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 11)Ac-DS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 12)Ac-DR-Aib-AS-Aib-LRKLRKRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 13)Ac-DR-Aib-ASHLRKLRKRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 14)Ac-CAS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 15)Ac-DS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 16)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLV-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 17)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLM-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 18)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLI-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 19)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLA-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 20)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KALL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 21)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-K(orn)LL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 22)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-K(narg)LL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 23)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-K(harg)LL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 24)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-K(dmarg)LL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 25)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-ARLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 26)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-(aclys)RLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 27)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-(azlys)RLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 28)Ac-ASH-Aib-RKL-Aib-KRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 29)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRL-(NLe)-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 30)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KR-(NLe)-L-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 31)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KR-(NLe)-(Nle)-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 32)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-K(orn)L-(NLe)-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 33)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-K(orn)-(NLe)-L-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 34)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-K(orn)-(NLe)-(Nle)-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 35)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-K(harg)L-(NLe)-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 36)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-K(harg)-(NLe)-L-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 37)Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-K(harg)-(NLe)-(Nle)-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 38)Ac-AS-Aib-L(orn)KL-Aib-KRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 39)Ac-AS-Aib-L(orn)KL-Aib-K(orn)LL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 40)Ac-AS-Aib-L(orn)KL-Aib-KRL-(NLe)-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 41)Ac-AS-Aib-L(orn)KL-Aib-KRL-(NLe)-(NLe)-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 42)Ac-AS-Aib-L(orn)KL-Aib-K(orn)L-(Nle)-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 43)Ac-AS-Aib-L(orn)KL-Aib-K(orn)-(NLe)-(Nle)-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 44)Ac-ASHLRKLRKRLL-NH₂ (apoe138-149) (SEQ. ID. NO. 45) Ac-ASHCRKLCKRLL-NH₂(SEQ. ID. NO. 46) Ac-ASCLRKLCKRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 47)Ac-CSHLRKLCKRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 48) Ac-ASHLRKCRKRCL-NH₂(SEQ. ID. NO. 49) Ac-ASHCRKLRKRCL-NH₂

wherein (NMe)-L is an N-methylated Leucine, Aib is amino iso-butyricacid, (orn) is ornithine, (narg) is nitroarginine, (NLe) is neurleucine,(harg) is homoarginine, (dmarg) is dimethyl arginine, (aclys) is acetyllysine, (azlys) is azalysine and Ac is an acetylated amino terminus. Theone letter abbreviation for the amino acid residues are well known tothose skilled in the art.

In one aspect, the compounds are analogs or peptide mimetics of an ApoEprotein. In yet another preferred embodiment, the peptide isAcASHLRKLAibKRLL (SEQ. ID. NO. 6) (COG432). In another preferredembodiment, the peptide is Ac-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLL-NH₂ (SEQ. ID. NO. 7)(ApoE-1410). In certain embodiments, the present invention providespeptide mimetics that mimic the functionality of the active peptide andmethods of making the same, as described in detail hereinbelow.

The present invention provides protein transduction domains (PTD)conjugated to an ApoE analog. PTDs are heterogeneous in size and lacksequence homology, although most share a positive charge and areamphipathic.

In treating CNS disorders and injuries, the blood brain barrier (BBB)drastically limits the transport of polar molecules, such as peptides,into the brain. Preliminary data in vivo indicate that the efficacy ofApoE peptide mimetics can be significantly improved by conjugation to aprotein transduction domain (PTD). PTDs are short basic peptides thatpromote the intracellular delivery of cargo that would otherwise failto, or only minimally, traverse the cell membrane.

However, the ability of a PTD to transport cargo intracellularly doesnot guarantee it is capable of transport through the BBB, which issignificantly more complex of a process, and the number of PTDs testedfor the transport of cargo across the BBB in vivo has been relativelyfew. Therefore, the appropriate PTD for BBB transport needs to bedetermined empirically, and/or created by modifications of known PTDs.The present invention provides compounds comprising PTD conjugations ofapoE analogs and derivatives, including ApoE and derivatives and analogsthereof.

Without being bound to any theory, it is hypothesized that PTDs canenhance CNS penetration of compounds, including apoE analog peptides. Byincreasing CNS penetration, the PTD-apoE analog conjugated compoundsdescribed herein can increase the efficacy of the apoE analogs andextend the therapeutic window, i.e., length of time between brain injuryand efficacious administration of the apoE analogs, including COG133.Preliminary data indicate that COG133 was neuroprotective whenadministered up to 30 minutes post TBI, whereas a PTD-COG133 conjugatewas equally effective when administered up to 150 minutes following TBI.This represents a substantial increase in the therapeutic window thatcould dramatically expand the number of human subjects that can behelped by this novel therapeutic compound. Furthermore, enhancing theBBB penetrability of the apoE analogs, including COG133, can renderthese compounds useful for the treatment, prevention or amelioration ofnumerous inflammation-based neurodegenerative diseases, regardless ofwhether the BBB is compromised.

The PTD conjugates of the invention also provide the added benefit oflowering the amount of drug (COG133) needed to be administered becauseof specific targeting to the brain. This provides a better therapeuticindex for the conjugated compounds, which is the maximum tolerated doseof compound when no death is seen, divided by the minimum effective doseof compound needed to be given to see the desired protective effect. Thegreater the index, the safer a compound should be because the sideeffect profile should be decreased at the concentration needed to seethe desired protective effect. Different PTD's could be made topreferentially target other specific tissues and/or organs depending onthe disorder to be treated.

The PTDs of the present invention are those that facilitate CNSpenetration or facilitate intracellular transport. In certainembodiments, PTDs can be antimicrobial peptides such as protegrin 1,Bactenecin 7, Buforin, and Maginin; a host of arginine-rich RNA- andDNA-binding peptides (e.g., HIV-1 transactivating protein (TAT) andDrosophila homeodomain transcription factor Antennapedia (a.k.a.Penetratin); chimeric PTDs such as Transportan; lysine- andarginine-rich peptides derived from phage-display libraries;polyarginine; and most recently, β-homolysine oligomers (See, Fisher etal., 2001; Lindsay, 2002; Tung et al., 2003; Leifert et al., 2003;Bogoyevitch et al., 2002; Garcia-Echeverria 2003, incorporated herein byreference in their entireties). In certain embodiments, the PTDs areaddition, reverso-, retro-inverso, and enantio-forms of many of the PTDsdescribed herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides PTD conjugatesselected from the group consisting of:

GRKKRRQRRRPPQ (SEQ. ID. NO. 50) RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK (SEQ. ID. NO. 51)RRMKWKK (SEQ. ID. NO. 52) RGGRLSYSRRRFSTSTGR (SEQ. ID. NO. 53)RRLSYSRRRF (SEQ. ID. NO. 54) RGGRLAYLRRRWAVLGR (SEQ. ID. NO. 55)RRRRRRRR (SEQ. ID. NO. 56)

In certain embodiments, the PTD conjugate is RGGRLAYLRRRWAVLGR (SEQ. ID.NO. 55), referred to as SynB5, or RRLSYSRRRF (SEQ ID NO. 54) referred toas SynB3. PTD-apoE conjugate compounds of the invention include, forinstance, SynB5-COG133, SynB3-COG133, or Syn B5 and Syn B3 conjugates ofany of the COG133 analogs described herein.

Accordingly, PTD transport was initially characterized as receptor- andenergy-independent, nonendocytic, and lacking in cell specificity.However, these data were collected through analysis of cellular uptakevia fluorescence microscopy on fixed cells or flow cytometry. Severalgroups have recently demonstrated that data collected in this manner wassubject to an artifact of cell fixation (Futaki, 2002; Vives et al.,2003; Suzuki, 2001; Richard et al., 2003; Lundberg et al., 2002; Thoren,et al., 2003, incorporated herein by reference in their entireties). Itis becoming clear that a number of these PTDs, e.g., penetratin TAT,poly-arginine; are taken up via endocytosis (Drin et al., 2003; Thorenet al., 2003, incorporated herein by reference in their entireties). Thesame methodology was also used for analysis of structure-activityrelationships of PTDs. The validity of the results of these studies, aswell as studies of cell specificity, which were also derived from fixedcells, is therefore called into question. For example, the uptake ofpenetratin in living cells was recently demonstrated to be endocytic.Furthermore, substitution of two tryptophan residues, previouslyidentified as critical for transcytosis, did not modify the uptake ofpenetratin (Thoren et al., 2003, incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety).

Questions regarding mechanism of transport aside, there are numerousreports of the biological effects of cargo carried by PTDs, includingpeptides, proteins, peptide nucleic acids, oligonucleotides, liposomes,and magnetic nanoparticles, substantiating their capability fortranslocation (Schwarze et al, 2000; Bogoyevitch et al., 2002; Tung etal., 2003; Vives et al., 2003, incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties). It is becoming clear that our knowledge regarding PTDsneeds to be re-evaluated, and that transport mechanisms likely varyamong the PTDs, perhaps as their primary structures also vary.

Comparative studies indicated that PTDs are not interchangeable; theydiffer in uptake rate, concentration required for translocation,toxicity, and cellular context (Thoren et al., 2003; Suzuki et al.,2002; Mai, et al., 2002, incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties). Studies using live cells have reported that a PTD can havemultiple modes of transport which can differ according to cellularcontext (Drin et al., 2003; Futaki, 2002; Leifert et al., 2003,incorporated herein by reference in their entireties). Recent dataindicate that PTDs exhibit cell specificity, the source of which can bepreferential interaction of PTDs with specific cell surfaceglycosaminoglycans (Mai et al., 2002; Console et al., 2003; Koppelhus etal., 2002, incorporated herein by reference in their entireties).Evidence to this effect comes from studies that show dextran sulfateinhibited uptake of TAT, but not penetratin complexes, and heparininhibited internalization of TAT and penetratin complexes to differentdegrees (Console et al., 2003, incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties). These data suggest selectively targeting tissues may bepossible by optimizing the PTD to target specific cell surface-expressedglycosaminoglycans. Clearly, there is no PTD that is optimal for cargodelivery across the board. PTD, cargo, and target organ all must betaken into account.

Compound Preparation

Peptides of the present invention can be produced by standard techniquesas are known in the art as well as what has been described in U.S.application Ser. No. 10/252,120, filed Sep. 23, 2002 and PCTUS2005/031431, which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentities.

Modification of the peptides disclosed herein to enhance the functionalactivities associated with these peptides could be readily accomplishedby those of skill in the art. For instance, the peptides used in themethods of the present invention can be chemically modified orconjugated to other molecules in order to enhance parameters likesolubility, serum stability, etc, while retaining functional activity.In particular, the peptides of the invention may be acetylated at theN-terminus and/or amidated at the C-terminus, or conjugated, complexedor fused to molecules that enhance serum stability, including but notlimited to albumin, immunoglobulins and fragments thereof, transferrin,lipoproteins, liposomes, α-2-macroglobulin and α-1-glycoprotein, PEG anddextran. Such molecules are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.6,762,169, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Small molecules that target the conjugate to specific cells or tissuesmay also be used. It is known that presence of a biotin-avidin complexincreases uptake of such modified peptides across endothelial cells.Linkage of peptides to carbohydrate moieties, for example to aβ-glycoside through a serine residue on the peptide to form a β-O linkedglycoside, enhances transport of the glycoside derivative via glucosetransporters (Polt, R. et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:7144-7118(1994); Oh et al. Drug Transport and targeting, In Membrane Transportersas Drug Targets, Amidon, G. L. and Sadee, W. eds., pg 59-88, PlenumPress, New York, 1999).

The peptides may have attached various label moieties such asradioactive labels and fluorescent labels for detection and tracing.Fluorescent labels include, but are not limited to, fluorescein, eosin,Alexa Fluor, Oregon Green, rhodamine Green, tetramethylrhodamine,rhodamine Red, Texas Red, coumarin and NBD fluorophores, the QSY 7,dabcyl and dabsyl chromophores, BODIPY, Cy5, etc.

In another aspect, other naturally occurring or synthetic peptides andproteins may be used to provide a carrier immunogen for generatingantibodies to the subject peptides, where the antibodies serve asreagents for detecting the immunomodulatory peptides or for identifyingother peptides having a comparable conformation. Suitable carriers forgenerating antibodies include, among others, hemocyanins (e.g., KeyholeLimpet hemocyanin—KLH); albumins (e.g., bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin,human serum albumin, etc.); immunoglobulins; thyroglobulins (e.g.,bovine thyroglobulin); toxins (e.g., diptheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid);and polypeptides such as polylysine or polyalanine-lysine. Althoughproteins are preferred carriers, other carriers, preferably highmolecular weight compounds, may be used, including carbohydrates,polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, nucleic acids, and the like ofsufficient size and immunogenicity. In addition, the resultingantibodies may be used to prepare anti-idiotypic antibodies which maycompete with the subject peptides for binding to a target site. Theseanti-idiotypic antibodies are useful for identifying proteins to whichthe subject peptides bind.

Another variation of the therapeutic peptides of the present inventionis the linking of from one to fifteen amino acids or analogs to theN-terminal or C-terminal amino acid of the therapeutic peptide. Analogsof the peptides of the present invention can also be prepared by addingfrom one to fifteen additional amino acids to the N-terminal,C-terminal, or both N- and C-terminals, of an active peptide, where suchamino acid additions do not adversely affect the ability of the peptideto bind to receptors at the site bound by a peptides of the invention.

The peptides of the present invention further include conservativevariants of the peptides herein described. As used herein, aconservative variant refers to alterations in the amino acid sequencethat do not adversely affect the biological functions of the peptide. Asubstitution, insertion or deletion is said to adversely affect thepeptide when the altered sequence prevents or disrupts a biologicalfunction associated with the peptide. For example, the overall charge,structure or hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of the peptide may bealtered without adversely affecting a biological activity. Accordingly,the amino acid sequence can be altered, for example to render thepeptide more hydrophobic or hydrophilic, without adversely affecting thebiological activities of the peptide.

Ordinarily, the conservative substitution variants, analogs, andderivatives of the peptides, will have an amino acid sequence identityto the disclosed sequences SEQ ID NOs: 1-56 of at least about 55%, atleast about 65%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 96% to99%. Identity or homology with respect to such sequences is definedherein as the percentage of amino acid residues in the candidatesequence that are identical with the known peptides, after aligning thesequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximumpercent homology, and not considering any conservative substitutions aspart of the sequence identity. N-terminal, C-terminal or internalextensions, deletions, or insertions into the peptide sequence shall notbe construed as affecting homology.

Thus, the peptides of the present invention include molecules having theamino acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID Nos. 1-56; fragments thereofhaving a consecutive sequence of at least about 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 15, ormore amino acid residues of the therapeutic peptide; amino acid sequencevariants of such peptides wherein an amino acid residue has beeninserted N- or C-terminal to, or within, the disclosed sequence; andamino acid sequence variants of the disclosed sequence, or theirfragments as defined above, that have been substituted by anotherresidue. Peptide compounds comprising the peptide sequences of theinvention may be 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or more amino acids.Contemplated variants further include those containing predeterminedmutations by, e.g., homologous recombination, site-directed or PCRmutagenesis, and the corresponding peptides of other animal species,including but not limited to rabbit, rat, porcine, bovine, ovine, equineand non-human primate species, and derivatives wherein the peptide hasbeen covalently modified by substitution, chemical, enzymatic, or otherappropriate means with a moiety other than a naturally occurring aminoacid (for example a detectable moiety such as an enzyme orradioisotope).

Therapeutic peptides of the present invention can be in free form or theform of a salt, where the salt is pharmaceutically acceptable. Theseinclude inorganic salts of sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium,calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and the like. Variousorganic salts of the peptide may also be made with, including, but notlimited to, acetic acid, propionic acid, pyruvic acid, maleic acid,succinic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benozic acid, cinnamic acid,salicylic acid, etc.

Compositions

Compounds and therapeutic peptides of the present invention can be infree form or the form of a salt, where the salt is pharmaceuticallyacceptable.

As used herein, the term “administering to the brain of a subject”refers to the use of routes of administration, as are known in the art,that provide the compound to the central nervous system tissues, and inparticular the brain, of a subject being treated.

Preferably, the compounds of the present invention are used incombination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The presentinvention thus also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable foradministration to a subject. Such compositions comprise an effectiveamount of the compound of the present invention in combination with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The carrier can be a liquid, sothat the composition is adapted for parenteral administration, or can besolid, i.e., a tablet or pill formulated for oral administration.Further, the carrier can be in the form of a nebulizable liquid or solidso that the composition is adapted for inhalation. When administeredparenterally, the composition should be pyrogen free and in anacceptable parenteral carrier. Active compounds can alternatively beformulated encapsulated in liposomes, using known methods. Additionally,the intranasal administration of peptides to treat CNS conditions isknown in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,682, incorporatedherein by reference to Pert, regarding intranasal administration ofpeptide T to treat AD). Preparation of a Compound of the PresentInvention for Intranasal Administration can be Carried out usingtechniques as are known in the art.

An effective amount of the compound of the present invention is thatamount that decreases microglial activation compared to that which wouldoccur in the absence of the compound; in other words, an amount thatdecreases the production of neurotoxic and neuromodulatory compounds bythe microglia, compared to that which would occur in the absence of thecompound. Neuromodulatory refers to a non-lethal alteration in neuronfunction. The effective amount (and the manner of administration) willbe determined on an individual basis and will be based on the specifictherapeutic molecule being used and a consideration of the subject(size, age, general health), the condition being treated (AD, acute headinjury, cerebral inflammation, etc.), the severity of the symptoms to betreated, the result sought, the specific carrier or pharmaceuticalformulation being used, the route of administration, and other factorsas would be apparent to those skilled in the art. The effective amountcan be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using techniquesas are known in the art. Therapeutically effective amounts of thecompounds described herein can be determined using in vitro tests,animal models or other dose-response studies, as are known in the art.

Pharmaceutical preparations of the compounds of the present inventioncan optionally include a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent orexcipient. The compositions may also contain pharmaceutically acceptableauxiliary substances or adjuvants, including, without limitation, pHadjusting and buffering agents and/or tonicity adjusting agents, suchas, for example, sodium acetate, sodium lactate, sodium chloride,potassium chloride, calcium chloride, etc.

Treatment Regimen

In practicing the present invention, ApoE analogs may be administered toa subject as a single dose comprising a single-dose-effective amount forpreventing hemorrhage growth, and/or for treating complications, or in astaged series of doses which together comprise an effective amount forpreventing or treating complications. An effective amount of an ApoEanalog refers to the amount of the analog which, when administered in asingle dose or in the aggregate of multiple doses, or as part of anyother type of defined treatment regimen, produces a measurablestatistical improvement in outcome, as evidenced by at least oneclinical parameter associated with SAH, ICH, and IVH and/or theircomplications.

Administration of a single dose refers to administration of an entiredose of an ApoE analog as a slow bolus over a period of less than about5 minutes. In some embodiments, the administration occurs over a periodof less than about 2.5 minutes, and, in some, over less than about 1min. Typically, a single-dose effective amount comprises at least about40 μg/kg ApoE analog, such as, at least about 50 μg/kg, 75 μg/kg, or 90μg/kg, or at least 160 μg/kg ApoE analogs.

It will be understood that the effective amount of an ApoE, as well asthe overall dosage regimen, may vary according to the subject'shemostatic status, which, in turn, may be reflected in one or moreclinical parameters, including, e.g., relative levels of circulatingcoagulation factors; amount of blood lost; rate of bleeding; hematocrit,and the like. It will be further understood that the effective amountmay be determined by those of ordinary skill in the art by routineexperimentation, by constructing a matrix of values and testingdifferent points in the matrix.

For example, in one series of embodiments, the invention encompasses (i)administering a first dose of an ApoE analog; (ii) assessing thesubject's coagulation status after a predetermined time; and (iii) basedon the assessment, administering a further dose of ApoE analog ifnecessary. Steps (ii) and (iii) may be repeated until satisfactoryhemostasis is achieved.

According to the invention, ApoE analogs may be administered by anyeffective route, including, without limitation, intravenous,intramuscular, subcutaneous, mucosal, and pulmonary routes ofadministration. Preferably, administration is by an intravenous route.

The compounds of the present invention can be administered acutely(i.e., during the onset or shortly after events leading to cerebralhemorrhage), or can be administered prophylactically (e.g., beforescheduled surgery, or before the appearance of neurologic signs orsymptoms), or administered during the course of a degenerative diseaseto reduce or ameliorate the progression of symptoms that would otherwiseoccur. The timing and interval of administration is varied according tothe subject's symptoms, and can be administered at an interval ofseveral hours to several days, over a time course of hours, days, weeksor longer, as would be determined by one skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, administration of analogs according to the presentinvention is preferably initiated within about 4 hours after occurrenceof the SAH, ICH, and IVH such as, e.g., within about 3 hours, withinabout 2 hours, or within about 1 hour.

The typical daily regime can be from about 0.01 μg/kg body weight perday, from about 1 mg/kg body weight per day, from about 10 mg/kg bodyweight per day, from about 100 mg/kg body weight per day, from about1,000 mg/kg body weight per day. Preferred dosages are between about0.01 μg/kg and about 10 mg/kg body weight per day, depending on thecompound, and more preferably between about 1 mg/kg and about 10 mg/kgbody weight per day.

The blood-brain barrier presents a barrier to the passive diffusion ofsubstances from the bloodstream into various regions of the CNS.However, active transport of certain agents is known to occur in eitherdirection across the blood-brain barrier. Substances that can havelimited access to the brain from the bloodstream can be injecteddirectly into the cerebrospinal fluid.

Administration of a compound directly to the brain is known in the art.Intrathecal injection administers agents directly to the brainventricles and the spinal fluid. Surgically-implantable infusion pumpsare available to provide sustained administration of agents directlyinto the spinal fluid. Lumbar puncture with injection of apharmaceutical compound into the cerebrospinal fluid (“spinalinjection”) is known in the art, and is suited for administration of thepresent compounds. Use of PTD domains as described herein and otherpeptides and non-peptide moieties known in the art may also be used tofacilitate transport across the blood-brain barrier.

Pharmacologic-based procedures are also known in the art forcircumventing the blood brain barrier, including the conversion ofhydrophilic compounds into lipid-soluble drugs. The active agent can beencapsulated in a lipid vesicle or liposome.

The intra-arterial infusion of hypertonic substances to transiently openthe blood-brain barrier and allow passage of hydrophilic drugs into thebrain is also known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,416 to Kozarich etal. discloses the co-administration of receptor mediated permeabilizer(RMP) peptides with compounds to be delivered to the interstitial fluidcompartment of the brain, to cause an increase in the permeability ofthe blood-brain barrier and effect increased delivery of the compoundsto the brain.

One method of transporting an active agent across the blood-brainbarrier is to couple or conjugate the active agent to a second molecule(a “carrier”), which is a peptide or non-proteinaceous moiety selectedfor its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and transport theactive agent across the blood-brain barrier. Examples of suitablecarriers include pyridinium, fatty acids, inositol, cholesterol, andglucose derivatives also add vitamin C. The carrier can be a compoundwhich enters the brain through a specific transport system in brainendothelial cells. Chimeric peptides adapted for deliveringneuropharmaceutical agents into the brain by receptor-mediatedtranscytosis through the blood-brain barrier are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,902,505 to Pardridge et al. These chimeric peptides comprise apharmaceutical agent conjugated with a transportable peptide capable ofcrossing the blood-brain barrier by transcytosis. Specific transportablepeptides disclosed by Pardridge et al. include histone, insulin,transferrin, and others. Conjugates of a compound with a carriermolecule, to cross the blood-brain barrier, are also disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,604,198 to Poduslo et al. Specific carrier moleculesdisclosed include hemoglobin, lysozyme, cytochrome c, ceruloplasmin,calmodulin, ubiquitin and substance P. See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,566to Bodor.

An alternative method of administering peptides of the present inventionis carried out by administering to the subject a vector carrying anucleic acid sequence encoding the peptide, where the vector is capableof entering brain cells so that the peptide is expressed and secreted,and is thus available to microglial cells. Suitable vectors aretypically viral vectors, including DNA viruses, RNA viruses, andretroviruses. Techniques for utilizing vector deliver systems andcarrying out gene therapy are known in the art. Herpesvirus vectors area particular type of vector that can be employed in administeringcompounds of the present invention.

Combination Treatments

The present invention further provides a method of treating, preventing,and ameliorating SAH, ICH, and IVH, comprising administering to asubject in need thereof. ApoE protein or one or more ApoE mimeticpeptides in an amount that reduces symptoms of SAH, ICH, and IVH. Inpracticing the methods of this invention, the therapeutic peptidesand/or derivatives thereof may be used alone or in combination withother active ingredients.

The active ingredients may be any active agents that provide atherapeutic benefit to the treatment, prevention and amelioration ofcerebral hemorrhage. For example, the ApoE peptides may be used incombination with other therapeutic agents, such as, e.g., oxygen radicalscavenging agents such as superoxide dismutase or anti-inflammatoryagents such as corticosteroids, hydrocortisone, prednisone and the like;antibacterial agents such as penicillin, cephalosporins, bacitracin andthe like; antiparasitic agents such as quinacrine, chloroquine and thelike; antifungal agents such as nystatin, gentamicin, and the like;antiviral agents such as acyclovir, gancyclovir, ribavirin, interferonsand the like; analgesic agents such as salicylic acid, acetaminophen,ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, morphine and the like; local anesthetics suchas lidocaine, bupivacaine, benzocaine and the like; growth factors suchas colony stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulatingfactor, and the like; antihistamines such as diphenhydramine,chlorphencramine and the like; anti-nausea medications, nutritionaladditives such as leukovorin, and other like substances.

The present invention may also be used in combination withanti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, or leukocyte migrationinhibitory compounds. Useful cytokines include, but are not limited to,IL-4, IL-10, IL-11, and IL-13, particularly IL-4 and IL-10, which areknown to suppress production of inflammatory cytokines and to beinvolved in restoring the immune system. Growth factors include GM-CSFamong others. These cytokines and growth factors may be administered aspurified proteins—obtained naturally or from recombinant sources—oradministered in the form of nucleic acids that express these peptides,particularly as fusion proteins.

If desired, one or more agents typically used to treat SAH, ICH, and IVHand cerebral vasospasm may be used as a substitute for or in addition tothe therapeutic peptides in the methods and compositions of theinvention. Such agents include biologics and small molecule. Thus, inone embodiment, the invention features the combination of an ApoE analogsuch as a peptide compound comprising a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1-56 andany of the foregoing agents.

ApoE analogs and other active therapeutic agents may be administeredsimultaneously or sequentially. When the other therapeutic agents areadministered simultaneously they can be administered in the same orseparate formulations, but are administered at the same time. The othertherapeutic agents are administered sequentially with one another andwith inhibitor, when the administration of the other therapeutic agentsand the inhibitor is temporally separated. The separation in timebetween the administration of these compounds may be a matter of minutesor it may be longer.

In some embodiments, the additional active agent comprises ananti-cerebral vasospasm drug. Thus, the present invention includes theuse of the disclosed peptides and peptide mimetics in methods andpharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of any of the abovediseases or disorders in combination with any known voltage-gatedcalcium channel blockers including both L-type and R-type voltage-gatedcalcium channel blockers.

Such voltage-gated calcium inhibitors can be used in combination of theApoE analogs to treat a subject of a vasospasm or a subject at risk of avasospasm. A subject at risk of a vasospasm includes a subject who hasdetectable blood in the cerebrospinal fluid, or one who has a detectableaneurysm as detected by a CT scan, yet has not begun to experience thesymptoms associated with having a vasospasm. A subject at risk of avasospasm may also be one who has experienced a traumatic head injury.Traumatic head injury usually results from a physical force to the headregion, in the form of a fall or a forceful contact with a solid object.Subjects at risk of a vasospasm may also include those who have recently(e.g., in the last two weeks or months) experienced a subarachnoidhemorrhage (as described above).

In one aspect of the invention, an R-type voltage-gated calcium channelinhibitor is administered to the subject having or at risk of having avasospasm in an effective amount to treat a vasospasm. An effectiveamount to treat a vasospasm may be that amount necessary to ameliorate,reduce or eliminate altogether one or more symptoms relating to avasospasm, preferably including brain damage that results from vasospasmsuch as an infarct. Brain damage can be measured anatomically usingmedical imaging techniques to measure infarct sizes. Alternatively or inconjunction, brain damage may be measured functionally in terms ofcognitive or sensory skills of the subject.

Subjects at risk of vasospasm are currently administered a variety ofpreventative medications including L-type voltage-dependent calciumchannel (L-type VDCC) inhibitors (e.g., nimodipine), phenylephrine,dopamine, as well as a combination of mannitol and hyperventilation.Some forms of prophylactic treatments aim to increase the cerebralperfusion pressure. In accordance with the present invention, any ofthese prophylactic therapies may be co-administered to a subject at riskof having a vasospasm along with the agents of the invention. Thus,other therapeutic agents include but are not limited to anti-cerebralvasospasm drug such as L-type VDCC and a phenylalkalamine such asverapamil, etc.

An L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel inhibitor as used herein asa calcium entry blocking drug whose main pharmacological effect is toprevent or slow the entry of calcium into cells via L-type voltage-gatedcalcium channels. Examples of L-type calcium channel inhibitors includebut are not limited to: dihydropyridine L-type blockers such asnisoldipine, nicardipine and nifedipine, AHF (such as4aR,9aS)-(+)-4a-Amino-1,2,3,4,4a,9a-hexahydro-4-aH-fluorene, HCl),isradipine (such as4-(4-Benzofurazanyl)-1,-4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylicacid methyl 1-methhylethyl ester), Calciseptin/calciseptine (such asisolated from (Dendroaspis polylepis polylepis,H-Arg-Ile-Cys-Tyr-Ile-His-Lys-Ala-Ser-Leu-Pro-Arg-Ala-Thr-Lys-Thr-Cys-Val-Glu-Asn-Thr-Cys-Tyr-Lys-Met-Phe-Ile-Arg-Thr-Gln-A-rg-Glu-Tyr-Ile-Ser-Glu-Arg-Gly-Cys-Gly-Cys-Pro-Thr-Ala-Met-Trp-Pro-Tyr-Gl-n-Thr-Glu-Cys-Cys-Lys-Gly-Asp-Arg-Cys-Asn-Lys-OH(SEQ ID NO:57), Calcicludine (such as isolated from Dendroaspisangusticeps (eastern green mamba)),(H-Trp-Gln-Pro-Pro-Trp-Tyr-Cys-Lys-Glu-Pro-Val-Arg-Ile-Gly-Ser-Cys-Lys-Lys-Gln-Phe-Ser-Ser-P-he-Tyr-Phe-Lys-Trp-Thr-Ala-Lys-Lys-Cys-Leu-Pro-Phe-Leu-Phe-Ser-Gly-Cys-Gl-y-Gly-Asn-Ala-Asn-Arg-Phe-Gln-Thr-Ile-Gly-Glu-Cys-Arg-Lys-Lys-Cys-Leu-Gly-Lys-OH,SEQ ID NO:58), Cilnidipine (such as also FRP-8653, adihydropyridine-type inhibitor), Dilantizem (such as(2S,3S)-(+)-cis-3-Acetoxy-5-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-2,3-dihydro-2-(4-metho-xyphenyl)-1,5-benzothiazepin-4(5H)-onehydrochloride), diltiazem (such as benzothiazepin-4(5H)-one,3-(acetyloxy)-5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2,3-dihydro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl),(+)-cis-, monohydrochloride), Felodipine (such as4-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinecarboxylicacid ethyl methyl ester), FS-2 (such as an isolate from Dendroaspispolylepis polylepis venom), FTX-3.3 (such as an isolate from Agelenopsisaperta), Neomycin sulfate, Nicardipine (such as1,4-Dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)methyl-2-[methyl(phenylmethyl)a-mino]-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylicacid ethyl ester hydrochloride, also YC-93, Nifedipine (such as1,4-Dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic aciddimethyl ester), Nimodipine (such as4-Dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid2-methoxyethyl 1-methylethyl ester) or (Isopropyl 2-methoxyethyl1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(m-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate),Nitrendipine (such as1,4-Dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acidethyl methyl ester), S-Petasin (such as(3S,4aR,5R,6R)-[2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8-Octahydro-3-(2-propenyl)-4a,5-dimethyl-2-o-xo-6-naphthyl]Z-3′-methylthio-1′-propenoate),Phloretin (such as 2′,4′,6′-Trihydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propiophenone,also 3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-1-propanone, alsob-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxypropiophenone), Protopine, SKF-96365(such as1-[b-[3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl]-1H-imidazole,HCl), Tetrandine (such as 6,6′,7,12-Tetramethoxy-2,2′-dimethylberbaman),(+/−)-Methoxyverapamil or (+)-Verapamil (such as5-[N-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenylethyl)methylamino]-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-iso-propylvaleronitrilehydrochloride), and (R)-(+)-Bay K8644 (such asR-(+)-1,4-Dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3-pyridinecarboxylicacid methyl ester). The foregoing examples may be specific to L-typevoltage-gated calcium channels or may inhibit a broader range ofvoltage-gated calcium channels, e.g. N, P/Q, R, and T-type.

It will be understood that, in embodiments comprising administration ofcombinations of ApoE analogs with other agents, the dosage of ApoEanalogs may on its own comprise an effective amount and additionalagent(s) may further augment the therapeutic benefit to the subject.Alternatively, the combination of ApoE analogs and the second agent maytogether comprise an effective amount for preventing vasospasmcomplications associated with SAH, ICH, and IVH. It will also beunderstood that effective amounts may be defined in the context ofparticular treatment regimens, including, e.g., timing and number ofadministrations, modes of administrations, formulations, etc.

Treatment Outcomes

In practicing the present invention, the severity of SAH, ICH, and IVHand their complications may be assessed using conventional methods, suchas, e.g., Imaging by CT or MR scans or the Clinical assessment scores.Assessments may be performed at least about 15 days from the start oftreatment according to the invention, such as, e.g., at least about 30days, at least about 40 days, or at least about 90 days from the startof treatment.

Methods for testing organ function and efficiency, and suitablebiochemical or clinical parameters for such testing, are well known tothe skilled clinician.

Such markers or biochemical parameters of organ function are, forexample: Brain perfusion: Measurements of cerebral blood flow Brainmetabolism: Measurements of cerebral oxygen extraction or directmeasurements of cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen. Measurement of othersubstrates than oxygen such as glucose are also included. Brainintegrity: MRI (any and all standardized protocol sequences), CT, CTA,MRA Brain cell electrical function as measured by EEG Brain function bywell established neurological tests (e.g., Microdialysis, TranscranialDoppler).

Methods for testing for coagulopathy and inflammation are also wellknown to the skilled clinician. Such markers of a coagulapathic stateare, for example, PTT, Fibrinogen depletion, elevation in TAT complexes,ATIII activity, IL-6, IL-8, or TNFR-1.

In the present context, prevention includes, without limitation, theattenuation, elimination, minimization, alleviation or amelioration ofone or more symptoms or conditions associated with SAH, IVH, ICH and/ortheir complications, including, but not limited to, the prevention offurther damage to and/or failure of the effected organ already subjectto some degree of organ failure and/or damage, as well as the preventionof damage and/or failure of further organs not yet subject to organfailure and/or damage. Examples of such symptoms or conditions include,but are not limited to, morphological/structural damage and/or damage tothe functioning of organs such as, but not limited to, brain andsurrounding organs. Examples of such symptoms or conditions include, butare not limited to, morphological/structural damage and/or damage to thefunctioning of the organ(s) such as, for example, accumulation ofproteins or fluids due to mass effect of the hematoma or from resultinginflammatory reactions in the surrounding tissue, tissue necrosis,fibrin deposition, hemorrhage, edema, or inflammation.

Attenuation of organ failure or damage encompasses any improvement inorgan function as measured by at least one of the well known markers offunction of said organ compared to the corresponding value(s) found inSAH, IVH, and ICH subjects not being treated in accordance with thepresent invention.

This invention is further illustrated by the following examples whichshould not be construed as limiting. The contents of all references,patents, and published patent applications cited throughout thisapplication, as well as the figures, are incorporated herein in theirentirety by reference.

EXAMPLES

Materials and Methods

Therapeutic Agents

Nimodipine was obtained from the Duke University Medical Center Pharmacyin 30-mg/ml capsules. Each capsule was opened and the contents werediluted with 0.9% NaCl until the desired concentrations (0.67 mg/ml and0.33 mg/ml) were reached. The solutions were stored in a dark area inaccordance with manufacturer recommendations. The carboxyamidotriazole(CAI) was obtained with permission from the National Institutes ofHealth. It was dissolved in polyethylene glycol and diluted toappropriate concentrations (2.08 mg/ml and 0.83 mg/ml. The solutionswere refrigerated at 4° C. The 1410-D apoE-derived peptide,acetyl-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLL-amide (SEQ. ID. NO. 7), was synthesized inthe Peptide Synthesis Laboratory at the University of North Carolina(Chapel Hill, N.C.) to a purity of 95% and diluted in isotonic saline aspreviously described (Gao et al. 2006; Laskowitz et al. 2006).

Murine Model of SAH

Given the limited understanding of the pathophysiology of vasospasm andthe pressing clinical need for more effective approaches, the use ofclinically relevant animal models of SAH remains extremely important. Avariety of animal models have been developed. Nosko and colleagues(Nosko et al., 1985) studied the effects of nimodipine on chronicvasospasm in monkeys and, using their model, produced results similar tothose found in clinical trials. No difference in the incidence andseverity of delayed vasospasm in a rabbit model was attributed to theuse of nimodipine in a study in which dynamic perfusion computedtomography imaging was used (Laslo et al. 2006). In both animal studiesangiographically determined end points were used and the conclusionswere similar to those of human clinical trials; however, neither studyincorporated the behavioral outcomes of the animals, a limitation foundin many studies involving animal models of SAH.

Recently, a murine model of SAH has been characterized that demonstratesevidence of vascular proliferation, lumen narrowing, and functionalimpairments (Parra et al., 2002). The clinical relevance of this modelin testing new therapeutic approaches was suggested by the finding thatthe protective effects of simvastatin on murine vasospasm were readilytranslatable to the clinical arena (Lynch et al., 2005; McGirt et al.2002). One advantage of using a murine model is the availability oftransgenic technology that can be used to differentiate the molecularmechanisms of disease. For example, recent studies involving endothelialnitric oxide synthase knockout transgenic animals demonstrated that thepalliative effects of statins in the presence of SAH were dependent onupregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (McGirt et al., 2005).

Subarachnoid hemorrhage was produced using the method previouslydescribed by Parra, et al. (2002). Male C57B1/6J mice, 12 to 14 weeks ofage, were placed in a chamber and anesthetized by administering a gasmixture containing isoflurane. The trachea was intubated and the lungsmechanically ventilated with a mixture of 1.6% isoflurane in 30%O₂/balance N₂. A midline incision was made in the neck, and the rightcommon CA was exposed. The external CA was then exposed and ligated,leaving a small stump attached to the common CA. A blunted 5-0monofilament nylon suture, 10 mm in length, was introduced into theexternal CA stump and advanced into the internal CA to a point justdistal to the bifurcation of the ACA and MCA in the circle of Willis.Here resistance was encountered and the suture was advanced 3 mm furtherto perforate the right ACA, resulting in subarachnoid bleeding. Thesuture was removed, hemostasis was ensured, and the skin was closed.

For the CAI experiment, the mice were randomly assigned to one of threegroups: high-dose CAI (250 mg/kg/day), low-dose CAI (100 mg/kg/day), orvehicle treatment. The CAI was administered by oral gavage immediatelypostoperatively and every 8 hours thereafter until postoperative Day 3.In the combined nimodipine-apoE peptide experiment, the mice wererandomized to five groups: high-dose nimodipine (8 mg/kg/day), low-dosenimodipine (4 mg/kg/day), high-dose nimodipine plus apoE-mimetic peptide(1.2 mg/kg/day), the peptide alone (1.2 mg/kg/day), or vehicletreatment. The peptide dose was selected based on the optimum dosedetermined in a previous study (Gao et al., 2006), whereas the twonimodipine doses were chosen based on standard dosages used in clinicalpractice. The apoE-mimetic peptide was given intravenously immediatelypostoperatively and every 12 hours thereafter until the mice were killedon postoperative Day 3. Nimodipine was given via oral gavage immediatelypostoperatively and every 8 hours thereafter. Behavioral analysis wasconducted by performing a rotarod test, and a neurological severityscore was assigned to each animal every day. After the behavioralassessment had been made on Day 3, the mouse was killed and itsvasculature was perfused with an India ink-gelatin mixture. The deadanimal was refrigerated for 24 hours, after which its brain was removedand the diameter of the right MCA was measured.

Neurological Evaluation Following SAH

Behavioral outcomes were assessed by an observer blinded to animal groupassignment who used a neurological severity scale (Yokoo et al., 2004)(score range 3-21) and rotarod testing (Lynch et al., 2005). On the daybefore surgery, baseline rotarod data and neurological severity scoreswere obtained for all mice. The rotarod data were collected by firstplacing the mice on the apparatus (Ugo Basile, Comerio, Italy) for a300-second training period with the rotarod set in the acceleratingrotational speed mode. Afterward, using this accelerating rotationalspeed mode, rotarod latencies were recorded for three trials per mouse.A neurological severity score was then assigned. The score was based onan assessment of motor components derived from spontaneous activity,symmetry of limb movements, climbing, and balance and coordination, witheach component being scored from 0 to 3. Sensory components were used toanalyze body proprioception and tactile and vibrissa responses tostimuli. These components were scored from 1 to 3. Assignment of theneurological severity score and the rotarod analysis (minus the initialtraining portion) were repeated daily for 3 days postoperatively.

Blood Pressure Measurements

Blood pressure was measured over a 120-minute period afteradministration of each drug or drug combination, in a separate animalcohort. Following administration of the drug(s), the mouse underwenttracheal intubation and anesthesia was induced using an isofluranemixture. The femoral artery was cannulated via a small incision in theright groin. Blood pressure measurements were recorded every minute forthe first 10 minutes and then every 5 minutes for the remaining 110minutes.

Cerebral Vascular Perfusion and MCA Diameter after SAH

After the behavioral examination had been completed on postoperative Day3, cerebral vascular perfusion was performed as described previously(Gao et al., 2006; Parra et al., 2002). Each mouse was placed in achamber and isoflurane was administered to induce anesthesia. Theanimal's trachea was intubated and its chest opened to allow cannulationof the proximal aorta.

Plastic tubing (3.22-mm internal diameter) was used to deliver infusionsolutions in a pulsatile manner (McGirt et al., 2005; Parra et al.,2002). Thirty milliliters of 0.9% NaCl, 20 ml of 10% formalin, and 10 mlof India ink-gelatin mixture were infused in that order. The dead mousewas refrigerated for 24 hours to ensure solidification of the gelatinwithin the vasculature. Following refrigeration, the mouse brain washarvested and stored in 10% formalin. The cerebral vasculature wasphotographed using a video-linked dissecting microscope controlled by animage analyzer (MCID Elite; Interfocus Imaging, Linton, United Kingdom).The diameter of the right MCA at the site 1 mm distal to the MCA-ACAbifurcation was recorded using digital measurement techniques.

Statistical Analysis

Rotarod latencies and neurological severity scores were compared usingrepeated-measures analysis of variance with time as the repeatedvariable. When the resulting F values were greater than 1, the Studentt-test was used to compare drug-treated groups with the vehicle-treatedgroup. The diameters of the MCA lumina were also compared using theunpaired Student t-test.

Example 1 Effect of CAI on SAH Outcome

Given the vasoactive nature of the drugs used and the potentialconfounding effects of hypotension, the hemo-dynamic effects ofhigh-dose CAI, nimodipine, and apoE-mimetic peptide were tested insurrogate animals. No significant changes were observed afteradministration of any of these drugs or drug combinations.

To test the effect of CAI as a possible therapy to reduce vasospasm,vehicle (16 animals), low-dose CAI (100 mg/kg/day; 16 animals), orhigh-dose CAI (250 mg/kg/day; 12 animals) was administered afterinduction of SAH. A significant decrease in rotarod latency (that is,the time the animal remains on the rotating bar) was observed followingadministration of high-dose CAI compared with administration of vehicle(mean latency for animals receiving high-dose CAI 90±18 seconds; meanlatency for animals receiving vehicle 180±17 seconds; p=0.0008) (FIG.1A). The neurological severity scores paralleled the results of therotarod tests (FIG. 1B).

The diameters of the right MCA lumina are summarized in FIG. 2. Asignificant increase in MCA diameters was observed when the high-doseCAI-treated group (mean diameter 99±4 μm) was compared with thevehicle-treated group (mean diameter 80±4 μm; p=0.0191).

Example 2 Effect of Nimodipine on SAH Outcome

In this experiment, mice were treated with vehicle (11 animals),low-dose nimodipine (4 mg/kg/day; 11 animals), or high-dose nimodipine(8 mg/kg/day; 11 animals) after induction of SAH.

Rotarod latencies for both the high-dose nimodipine-treated group (meanlatency 231±15 seconds) and the low-dose nimodipine-treated group (meanlatency 213±13 seconds) were significantly higher than those of thevehicle-treated group (mean latency 124±16 seconds; p<0.0001 andp=0.0068, respectively). Significant differences in neurologicalseverity scores were also observed between the treatment groups (meanscore in the high-dose nimodipine-treated group was 17±1 and that in thelow-dose nimodipine-treated group was 18±1) and the vehicle-treatedgroup (mean score 12±2; p<0.05; FIG. 3).

Although both doses of nimodipine significantly improved behavioraloutcomes, a significant improvement in MCA diameters was only identifiedin the group treated by the low dose. The mean diameter in the low-dosenimodipine-treated group was 91±5 μm and that in the vehicle-treatedgroup was 74±5 (p=0.034). The mean diameter in the high-dose nimodipinegroup was 89±7 μm (FIG. 4).

Example 3 Effect of apoE-Mimetic Peptide on SAH Outcome

The next goal of this study was to examine the effects of administrationof apoE-mimetic peptide in the murine SAH model. Based on previousstudies, the optimum dose of the peptide has already been determined inthis model, and thus only two groups of animals were used, mice treatedwith vehicle (11 animals) and those treated with peptide (1.2 mg/kg/day;11 animals). The peptide-treated group performed significantly betterthan the vehicle-treated group on the rotarod test and on tests ofneurological severity (p<0.001 and p=0.0040, respectively; FIG. 3). Inaddition to improvements in behavioral outcomes, there was a significantincrease in the diameters of the right MCA lumina in the peptide-treatedgroup (mean diameter 97±6 μm) compared with the vehicle-treated group(mean diameter 74±5 μm; p=0.02; FIG. 4).

Example 4 Effect of Nimodipine Plus apoE-Mimetic Peptide on SAH Outcome

Because nimodipine is currently used to treat SAH patients, it isimportant to characterize the interactions between nimodipine and anynew therapeutic agent, as any new treatment will probably beadministered in combination with nimodipine in the clinical setting. Forthis portion of the experiment two groups were compared: one treatedwith vehicle (11 animals) and the other treated with both nimodipine andpeptide (nimodipine 8 mg/kg/day, peptide 1.2 mg/kg/day; 11 animals).This combined treatment significantly improved both rotarod latency(229±16 seconds) and the neurological severity score (17±1) comparedwith vehicle treatment (p<0.0001 and p=0.0216, respectively; FIG. 3).The behavioral outcomes in this combination group were not significantlydifferent from those observed in the other treatment groups. Inaddition, a significant difference was not present between the diametersof the MCA lumina in the two groups (FIG. 4).

Examples 1-4 demonstrate that clinically relevant doses of nimodipineimproved behavioral outcomes in this mouse SAH model without causing anydose-dependent change in the diameters of the MCA lumina. In contrast,the apoE-mimetic peptide improved behavioral outcomes and increased thediameters of the MCA lumina when compared with vehicle. Finally,high-dose CAI worsened functional outcomes, although it increased thediameters of the MCA lumina.

Although nimodipine treatment is the standard of care in clinicalpractice following aneurysmal SAH, its efficacy has been studied inrelatively few animal models of SAH (Lasko et al., 2006; Nosko et al.1985). In general, investigators have evaluated angiographic vasospasmrather than behavioral outcome. To increase the clinical relevance ofthe murine SAH model, two end points were incorporated: angiographicfindings and behavioral outcomes. Although both low- and high-dosenimodipine treatment improved behavioral outcome, only the low dose ofthe drug was associated with a significant reduction in vasospasm. Thisis consistent with the results of clinical studies of nimodipine inpatients with SAH, which have failed to demonstrate a consistentreduction in angiographically determined vasospasm despite improvedfunctional outcome (Allen et al., 1983; Petruck et al., 1988; Pickard etal., 1989). This dissociation between improved lumen diameter andfunctional outcome suggests that, in addition to its vasoactive effects,nimodipine may be directly neuroprotective via its effect onvoltage-gated neuronal calcium channels.

To explore this possibility further, animals were treated with CAI,which acts solely on non-voltage-gated calcium channels. Although CAIwould be expected to have comparable vasodilatory effects on cerebralvessels, it would not be expected to have any direct effect on neuronalcalcium channels. It is demonstrated that, although treatment with CAIsignificantly enlarged the MCA lumen without hemodynamic compromise, thedrug was associated with worse functional outcome than vehicle alone.

These results suggest that nimodipine may be acting at the neuronallevel to block calcium influx. In fact, there is preclinical evidencesuggesting that nimodipine is effective in instances of acute cerebralischemia (Inzitari et al., 2005; Korenkov et al., 2000). It is possiblethat the failure of nimodipine to improve stroke outcome in clinicaltrials is related to the delayed onset of drug administration in theclinical setting. Nevertheless, aneurysmal SAH represents a uniqueopportunity to initiate neuroprotective treatment before the onset ofischemia, which most often occurs within the first several weeksposthemorrhage. This delayed ischemia creates a window of opportunityduring which neuroprotective interventions can be prophylacticallyadministered.

These results suggest a dissociation between changes in the diameter ofthe MCA lumen and functional improvement, and this is consistent withthe findings of several clinical trials (Allen et al., 1983; Haley etal., 1993a; Haley et al., 1993b; Pickard et al., 1989). The possibilitythat surrogate radiographic evidence of vasospasm may not be predictiveof functional outcome should be considered in the design of clinicaltrials in which new therapies for SAH are evaluated.

The results of the study confirm that intravenous administration of theapoE-mimetic peptide was well tolerated, improved functional outcomes,and reduced evidence of vasospasm following SAH. They also demonstratedthat the apoE peptide was well tolerated when coadministered withnimodipine, and was at least as effective as nimodipine alone.

Following treatment, animals receiving SAH performed nearly as well assham controls in the behavioral tests of rotarod latency and clinicalneurological severity. This ceiling effect precluded detection of anypossible additive benefit of the apoE-nimodipine combination overnimodipine alone. Given that long-term neurocognitive deficits arecommon in patients with SAH, incorporating longer-term tasks of learningand memory might improve the utility of this model in terms ofevaluating long-term synergistic effects.

Example 5 Effect of ApoE-Mimetic Peptide on Functional Outcome,Mortality, and Vasospasm in a murine SAH Model

To test the effect of apoE-1410 as a possible therapy, either vehicle(n=21 animals), low-dose ApoE-1410 (0.6 mg/kg; n=14 animals), orhigh-dose ApoE-1410 (1.2 mg/kg; n=16 animals) was administered to 12- to14-week-old male C57B1/6 mice after SAH. Both drug and vehicle wereadministered intravenously by tail vein immediately following SAH and at12-hour intervals for the next 72 hours. Administration of the apoEmimetic caused a significant decrease in mortality (p<0.01), an effectthat was dose-dependent (FIG. 5). Animals treated with the apoE peptidealso had better functional outcomes at 72 hours (FIG. 6). Thosereductions in morbidity and improvements in function were associatedwith a significant reduction in MCA vasospasm in the treated group (MCAdiameter 98.1±30.6 μM in peptide group versus 70.5±37.2 μM in vehiclegroup. P<0.05 (FIG. 7).

In the study, the smaller 12 residue apoE-mimetic peptideAc-AS-Aib-LRKL-Aib-KRLL-amide (SEQ. ID. NO. 7; apoE-1410) was tested.This peptide contains two Aib substitutions, at positions L140 and R145of apoE (133-149). Aib is a non-natural amino acid that has been shownto enhance helical conformations regardless of the amino acid typespresent in the peptide (Marshall et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,87:487-49, 1990). In addition, Aib improves binding affinity because itexhibits a reduction in conformational entropy loss on binding, relativeto other amino acids (Ratnaparkhi et al. Protein Eng. 12:697-702, 2000).ApoE-1410 exhibited enhanced activity as compared to apoE (133-149) inan in vitro assay of microglial suppression. See PCT/US05/31431, whichis herein incorporated by reference. When administered following SAH ina clinically relevant paradigm (every 12 hours for 3 days), peptidetreatment was associated with a substantial reduction in mortality andvasospasm. This was associated with a reduction in functional deficit asassessed by daily neuro-severity scores and Rotorod testing.

LITERATURE CITED

All references and patents cited herein are herein incorporated byreference in their entireties, including, but not limited to, thefollowing:

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Although the present invention has been described in detail withreference to examples above, it is understood that various modificationscan be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims. Allcited patents, patent applications and publications referred to in thisapplication are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

1. A method of treating or ameliorating a cerebral hemorrhage comprisingadministering to a subject in need thereof a peptide compound, saidpeptide compound comprising a peptide consisting of less than about 50amino acids comprising the sequence of peptide COG133 (SEQ ID NO: 1),wherein said peptide is conjugated to a PTD derived from antennapedia.2. The method of claim 1, wherein said cerebral hemorrhage is selectedfrom the group consisting of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH),intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). 3.The method of claim 2, wherein said subarachnoid hemorrhage isaneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid peptide compound is administered within about 24-72 hours aftersubarachnoid hemorrhage has occurred.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid peptide compound is administered within the first several weeksafter subarachnoid hemorrhage has occurred.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein said peptide compound is administered at least about every 8hours.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said peptide compound isadministered at least about every 12 hours.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein said peptide compound is administered during surgery to treatsubarachnoid hemorrhage.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprisingco-administering a therapeutic amount of at least one additional activeagent.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said additional active agentis a voltage-gated calcium channel inhibitor.
 11. The method of claim10, wherein said voltage-gated calcium channel inhibitor is a smallmolecule.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said small molecule isnimodipine.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein said subject has suffereda cerebral vasospasm.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein said subject isat risk of a cerebral vasospasm.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein saidpeptide compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, and/oramide.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein said peptide compound isadministered orally and/or intravenously.
 17. The method of claim 1,wherein one to fifteen amino acids are linked to the amino or carboxyterminus of said COG133 peptide.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein anamino acid has been inserted at the amino or carboxy terminus of saidCOG133 peptide.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein said PTD derived fromantennapedia is RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK (SEQ. ID. NO: 51) or RRMKWKK (SEQ. ID.NO: 52).
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein said peptide compoundconsists of the sequence of peptide COG133 (SEQ ID NO: 1).